John Anderson, New Jersey Business Leader, Gilbane Building Co.

In a recent interview with Invest:, John Anderson, New Jersey business leader of Gilbane Building, reflected on the company’s recent milestones and its deep-rooted commitment to community impact within New Jersey. He emphasized Gilbane’s opportunity and impact through projects in life sciences, healthcare, and education – sectors that are vital to the state’s future.

What changes and milestones for the company had the most impact on Gilbane during the last year?

Our projects build a sense of community, and Gilbane excels at this, creating a positive financial impact. Nationally, Gilbane generated over $7.3 billion in revenue last year. What truly impresses me about our New Jersey operations is the diverse range of markets we serve, including life science, manufacturing, higher education, and healthcare. These industries are making a significant difference in New Jersey, contributing to the greater good by providing places for people to live, access healthcare, and work to support their families. I feel proud of our company’s efforts to serve the community in New Jersey. As I step into this new role, I am committed to building on this momentum and achieving even more in the future.

Which sectors do you consider to be generating the strongest demand for construction in New Jersey in 2025 and in the coming years?

The healthcare and higher education sectors are strong in New Jersey, given that the state is home to some of the most distinguished universities and institutions in the country. Areas for investment and growth in the state include healthcare, manufacturing, industrial, advanced manufacturing, and data centers. As a company, we are strategically positioned to lead in the critical field of advanced manufacturing and technology. We have the necessary resources and network nationwide, paired with on-the-ground expertise locally. Gilbane feels a responsibility to be at the forefront of this sector and ensure we build out this space effectively. 

What do you consider to be the most pressing challenges for developers and builders across the state?

The labor shortage is a challenge across the state, but it also presents a significant opportunity for local workforce development. Gilbane is deeply committed to cultivating a strong subcontractor base and nurturing the workforce from the ground up. One way we support this is through Next 150 Construction, a Gilbane subsidiary that provides skilled trade labor and jobsite services across the country. We also invest in small businesses through our Rising Contractor Program, which offers mentorship and resources to help firms grow. Our company’s goals for strengthening the workforce pipeline often surpass external mandates. We are invested in understanding the root causes of the labor shortage and ensuring that our subcontractors and consultants reflect our commitment to creating opportunities for anyone who wants to pursue a career in building, design, and construction to be successful.

Have you noticed any specific shifts in clients’ demands in the past year?

Clients are increasingly focused on cost certainty and supply chain reliability. NextDirect℠, Gilbane’s direct procurement subsidiary, addresses this by streamlining the acquisition of mechanical and electrical systems, improving schedule reliability and transparency. This approach allows clients to engage earlier in the process, make informed decisions, and manage long-lead equipment more effectively. Additionally, clients are more engaged than ever in workforce development and the selection of subcontractors. This synergy leads to greater success, and many clients desire to be involved at an earlier stage of the project.

What would you consider to be the top priorities for Gilbane to achieve in the next three to five years?

Gilbane is a family-owned company founded on strong core values, so community impact is central to our mission. We believe a business is only as strong as the community it serves. Over the next three to five years, our focus is not just on growth, but on continuing to make New Jersey a more desirable place to live and work. We’ve been proven builders in K-12, healthcare, and higher education nationwide, and those sectors remain key to our strategy. Being part of this community-building process here in New Jersey is something I’m proud of and aligns with Gilbane’s foundational principles as a 150-plus-year-old business.